Craft Desk Progress

Just after Christmas, Ethan and I agreed that I needed to do something to better organize my craft supplies and create a better work space for the constant stream of crafts. At that time, my “work space” consisted of a card table and pile of junk in the back of our basement. It was kinda embarrassing. Don’t judge me…

We did a lot of research in what type of desk would be best in the space. Sadly, there isn’t a whole lot out there that its at all reasonable in price. Martha Stewart has a pretty decent line, sold through Home Depot, but we were still looking at spending around $1,000 and it wouldn’t even be custom to the space.

We also thought about Ethan building a custom work desk, but decided to take a look at Ikea first. While Ethan could have made something better, the desk we got from Ikea was a lot less work and most likely just as cheap, if not cheaper.

Ikea Desk

I love that this Ikea desk fits our space perfectly. I currently craft in our basement living room/tv room. We have a fair-sized town-house, our living room is also home to our TV, toys, and treadmill. So a lot has to be packed into a small area. The desk sits behind the couch and against a wall, forming an “L.” The short side of the “L” is 47 inches and the longer side is 71 inches. The depth of both sides is 23-1/2 inches.

One concern of mine in using a regular desk for crafting is that it would be beat up and marked with paints, glue gun, scissors…you know, the normal crafting woes. Some craft desks come with a scratch and heat-resistant top, but they are most expensive and don’t come in the size I needed for our very small space. Fortunately, Ikea also sells computer table top protectors. I bought two so that I can replace it if it starts looking ugly. But I have been thrilled to find that it cleans up easily with cleaning wipes and hot glue picks right off.

Another thing I really love about this desk are the shallow drawers – perfect for small craft supplies. I have used large drawers or filing cabinets in the past and it ended up just being a pile of junk in the drawer. Eventually, once I figure out the layout I want, I am going to label all the drawers.

ClosetMaid Pantry

I also purchased a ClosetMaid Pantry to store some of the bigger items, like my sewing machine and Silhouette. I don’t completely love it and wished I had bought something else at Ikea. My biggest complaint is that the doors do not meet and also stay slightly open all the time. Not real pretty.

Even though I’m not happy with the doors, it is great storage. I even prettied it up with some vinyl, saying “Craft Hard, Stay Humble.” I really love how that turned out!

Desk Accessories

I’m still working on decor for the rest of the desk, but for now things are looking good. Ethan even made me a hot glue gun holder! I am ashamed to show what my hot glue gun looked like before:

Now my new pretty one:

I also bought a fabulous desk lamp at Ikea that may be my favorite part of the desk. The downside was that I didn’t buy a light bulb at Ikea and it took me several stores before I found the correct wattage and size.

I also wanted a better way to store my small desk items like markers, paint brushes, and scissors. My friend, Colleen had hunted for a desktop carousel for a long time and found one at Michael’s. So I copied the cool kids and bought one too.

While I was there at Michael’s, their craft storage was Buy 1, Get 1 Free!! Ethan had planned to make a Wall mounted Ribbon Storage unit for me, but you can’t beat FREE!

I like the desk. It gives me ideas of how to update my wifey’s craft room. Currently she is using a large table I made as a TV stand in college. Built more like a short workbench. Not ideal for crafting.

Jocie, what a neat space you have! I’m jealous. I’m still working on making my drawing room work. Ofcourse if I didn’t get pulled into everyone elses projects….
As for the pantry cabinet. You can buy magnetic catches at HoDe or L’s to keep the doors closed. And for the gap, have Ethan cut a piece of lattice to attach behind one of the doors. Just paint it white and you’re good to go!

I think this looks great! The money was well spent and a great investment. Think of how many crafts you can make now that you are more efficient and probably more excited to ‘craft hard’ (as you cabinet states). I appreciate that you shared a source list and a budget breakdown. Honestly, I think this is where a lot of remade spaces fail. Another great job and great post!

THANK YOU so much for posting this! My craft room is in the basement and doesn’t look too different than your “before” photos. I’m so embarrassed and I don’t enjoy crafting any more. I need something fresh, something orderly, something happy, and you gave me great ideas. Thank you so much!